Purifying ethylene from ternary acetylene/ethylene/ethane (C2H2/C2H4/C2H6) mixture in one-step requires preferential adsorption for C2H2 and C2H6, which is challenging due to the intermediate physicochemical property of C2H4. To address this problem, a synergistic host-guest interaction strategy is proposed for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by taking open metal site (OMS) to preferentially bind with electron-rich C2H2 through π-coordination interaction, while saturated hydrocarbon C2H6 primarily adsorbed via C-H∙∙∙π interactions with aromatic rings (AR). The feasibility of this strategy was demonstrated by three conformational isomeric 8-connected [Fe3(µ3-O)(COO)6] trigonal prismatic trinuclear cluster-based robust MOFs (denoted as SNNU-705-α/β/γ regulated by amino groups). Combining one unoccupied OMS site and occupying AR groups in SNNU-705-α/β/γ boosts the C2H2 and C2H6 affinity and binds C2H4 the weakest. Aided by amino Lewis basic sites (LBSs) furtherly, SNNU-705-γ exhibits the highest C2H6 uptake at 298 K and 1 atm (6.13 mmol g−1) among all reported MOFs for one-step C2H4 purification. Breakthrough experiments indicate that all SNNU-705-α/β/γ can separate C2H4 from C2H2/C2H4/C2H6 mixture in one-step with exceptional productivity (purity > 99.9999%) of 7.07, 6.75, and 5.46 mmol g−1, far surpassing all adsorbents reported so far. In situ FT–IR spectra and DFT calculation validates this strategy and indicate their potential in industry applications.
{"title":"Optimizing HostGuest Interaction Sites in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Benchmark One-Step Ethylene Purification","authors":"Yan-Fei Li, Jiao Lei, Zhang-Lei Zhong, Li-Qiu Yang, Ying Wang, Wenyu Yuan, Quan-Guo Zhai","doi":"10.1002/smll.202514034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514034","url":null,"abstract":"Purifying ethylene from ternary acetylene/ethylene/ethane (C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>/C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub>/C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>) mixture in one-step requires preferential adsorption for C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> and C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>, which is challenging due to the intermediate physicochemical property of C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub>. To address this problem, a synergistic host-guest interaction strategy is proposed for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by taking open metal site (OMS) to preferentially bind with electron-rich C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> through π-coordination interaction, while saturated hydrocarbon C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub> primarily adsorbed via C-H∙∙∙π interactions with aromatic rings (AR). The feasibility of this strategy was demonstrated by three conformational isomeric 8-connected [Fe<sub>3</sub>(<i>µ</i><sub>3</sub>-O)(COO)<sub>6</sub>] trigonal prismatic trinuclear cluster-based robust MOFs (denoted as SNNU-705-α/β/γ regulated by amino groups). Combining one unoccupied OMS site and occupying AR groups in SNNU-705-α/β/γ boosts the C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> and C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub> affinity and binds C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub> the weakest. Aided by amino Lewis basic sites (LBSs) furtherly, SNNU-705-γ exhibits the highest C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub> uptake at 298 K and 1 atm (6.13 mmol g<sup>−1</sup>) among all reported MOFs for one-step C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub> purification. Breakthrough experiments indicate that all SNNU-705-α/β/γ can separate C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub> from C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>/C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub>/C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub> mixture in one-step with exceptional productivity (purity > 99.9999%) of 7.07, 6.75, and 5.46 mmol g<sup>−1</sup>, far surpassing all adsorbents reported so far. In situ FT–IR spectra and DFT calculation validates this strategy and indicate their potential in industry applications.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"91 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Inspired by the hair structure of desert animals, the structure-engineered aerogel fiber (SAF) has effectively prepared through the utilization of the double-diffusion process in wet spinning. The SAF fabric exhibit high emissivity (96.1%) within the atmospheric window and high reflectivity (92.3%) within the solar spectrum, thereby effectively mitigating the impact of solar radiation on human thermal balance. Additionally, the fibers exhibit an internal porosity of ∼93.9%, which functions to reduce the penetration of external heat and facilitates the instantaneous absorption (over 80% of self-weight) and evaporation (∼5.7 g h−1) of sweat through capillary effect, thereby further enhancing the dissipation of heat from human body. The continuous and scalable technical routes also endow SAFs with outstanding mechanical strength, water resistance, and breathability. Practical application tests demonstrate that the temperature of SAF fabric is ∼10.6°C lower than the commercialized cotton fabric under direct sunlight (solar irradiation: ∼1511 W m−2) and ∼12.0°C under the simultaneous action of direct sunlight (solar irradiation: ∼1091 W m−2) and simulated sweat infiltration. These results underscore the cost-effectiveness and high performance of SAF fabric, which offers substantial solutions and broad application prospects for multifunctional textiles and evaporative and radiative synergistic cooling applications.
受沙漠动物毛发结构的启发，利用湿法纺丝的双扩散工艺制备了结构工程气凝胶纤维（SAF）。SAF织物在大气窗口内具有高发射率（96.1%），在太阳光谱内具有高反射率（92.3%），从而有效地减轻了太阳辐射对人体热平衡的影响。此外，纤维的内部孔隙率为~ 93.9%，这有助于减少外部热量的渗透，并通过毛细管效应促进汗液的瞬时吸收（超过自重的80%）和蒸发（~ 5.7 gh−1），从而进一步增强人体热量的散失。连续和可扩展的技术路线也赋予了SAFs出色的机械强度，耐水性和透气性。实际应用试验表明，在阳光直射（太阳照射：~ 1511 W m−2）下，SAF织物的温度比商品化棉织物低~ 10.6°C，在阳光直射（太阳照射：~ 1091 W m−2）和模拟汗液渗透同时作用下，SAF织物的温度比商品化棉织物低~ 12.0°C。这些结果表明，SAF织物的高性价比和高性能为多功能纺织品以及蒸发和辐射协同冷却应用提供了坚实的解决方案和广阔的应用前景。
{"title":"Biomimetic, Hierarchical-Porous Composite Aerogel Fiber with Spectral Selectivity and Water Microchannels for Synergistic Radiative-Evaporative Passive Cooling Textile","authors":"Yuhang Wang, Xinge Chen, Xiaoyun Zhang, Jianbin Zang, Lin Lu, Weizhong Yuan","doi":"10.1002/smll.202514581","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514581","url":null,"abstract":"Inspired by the hair structure of desert animals, the structure-engineered aerogel fiber (SAF) has effectively prepared through the utilization of the double-diffusion process in wet spinning. The SAF fabric exhibit high emissivity (96.1%) within the atmospheric window and high reflectivity (92.3%) within the solar spectrum, thereby effectively mitigating the impact of solar radiation on human thermal balance. Additionally, the fibers exhibit an internal porosity of ∼93.9%, which functions to reduce the penetration of external heat and facilitates the instantaneous absorption (over 80% of self-weight) and evaporation (∼5.7 g h<sup>−1</sup>) of sweat through capillary effect, thereby further enhancing the dissipation of heat from human body. The continuous and scalable technical routes also endow SAFs with outstanding mechanical strength, water resistance, and breathability. Practical application tests demonstrate that the temperature of SAF fabric is ∼10.6°C lower than the commercialized cotton fabric under direct sunlight (solar irradiation: ∼1511 W m<sup>−2</sup>) and ∼12.0°C under the simultaneous action of direct sunlight (solar irradiation: ∼1091 W m<sup>−2</sup>) and simulated sweat infiltration. These results underscore the cost-effectiveness and high performance of SAF fabric, which offers substantial solutions and broad application prospects for multifunctional textiles and evaporative and radiative synergistic cooling applications.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nannan Geng, Chenkai Lu, Jiong Zheng, Ziqi Cai, Jiachen Wan, Guowei Geng, Tao Yang, Guobin Zhang, Yin Cui, E. Lora da Silva, Xidong Lin, Tao Liu
Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are promising for high energy density but suffer from safety issues, dendrite growth and interfacial instability. Deep eutectic electrolytes (DEEs) offer potential solutions, yet their practical application is limited by their unsatisfactory interfacial compatibility. This study develops a non-flammable quasi-solid electrolyte for LMBs, via incorporating a novel 3,3′-[oxybis(2,1-ethanediyloxy)]bispropanenitrile (OCN)-based DEE into a poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) matrix, denoted as OCN-PBA. By integrating both cyano and ether functional groups, the designed OCN molecule enables dual stabilization of both the cathode and anode interfaces, as the cyano group enhances oxidation stability while the ether chains improve lithium compatibility. OCN-PBA possesses a unique aggregated solvation structure, which results in a high ionic conductivity (2.0 × 10−4 S cm−1), a Li+ transference number (0.66), and a wide electrochemical window (5.0 V). Consequently, Li|OCN-PBA|Li symmetric cell delivers stable plating/stripping over 1500 h, and Li|OCN-PBA|LiFePO4 cell demonstrates over 2000 stable cycles. Moreover, the OCN-PBA enables excellent cyclic stability in high-voltage Li|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 and Li|LiCoO2 cells. This work proposes a novel electrolyte design strategy, providing a feasible approach for developing practical high-performance LMBs with improved safety.
锂金属电池（lmb）具有很高的能量密度，但存在安全问题、枝晶生长和界面不稳定等问题。深共晶电解质（dee）提供了潜在的解决方案，但其实际应用受到其不理想的界面兼容性的限制。本研究通过将一种新型的3,3 ' -[氧双（2,1-乙二氧基）]双丙腈（OCN）基DEE加入到聚丙烯酸丁酯（PBA）基体（记为OCN-PBA）中，开发了一种用于lmb的非易燃准固体电解质。通过整合氰基和醚官能团，设计的OCN分子实现了阴极和阳极界面的双重稳定，因为氰基增强了氧化稳定性，而醚链提高了锂的相容性。OCN-PBA具有独特的聚合溶剂化结构，具有较高的离子电导率（2.0 × 10−4 S cm−1）、Li+转移数（0.66）和宽的电化学窗口（5.0 V）。因此，Li|OCN-PBA|锂对称电池可提供超过1500小时的稳定镀/剥离，Li|OCN-PBA|LiFePO4电池可提供超过2000个稳定循环。此外，OCN-PBA在高压Li|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2和Li|LiCoO2电池中具有优异的循环稳定性。这项工作提出了一种新的电解质设计策略，为开发具有更高安全性的高性能lmb提供了可行的方法。
{"title":"Cyano-Ether Bifunctional Deep Eutectic Electrolytes for Stable Quasi-Solid Lithium Metal Batteries","authors":"Nannan Geng, Chenkai Lu, Jiong Zheng, Ziqi Cai, Jiachen Wan, Guowei Geng, Tao Yang, Guobin Zhang, Yin Cui, E. Lora da Silva, Xidong Lin, Tao Liu","doi":"10.1002/smll.202513016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202513016","url":null,"abstract":"Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are promising for high energy density but suffer from safety issues, dendrite growth and interfacial instability. Deep eutectic electrolytes (DEEs) offer potential solutions, yet their practical application is limited by their unsatisfactory interfacial compatibility. This study develops a non-flammable quasi-solid electrolyte for LMBs, via incorporating a novel 3,3′-[oxybis(2,1-ethanediyloxy)]bispropanenitrile (OCN)-based DEE into a poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) matrix, denoted as OCN-PBA. By integrating both cyano and ether functional groups, the designed OCN molecule enables dual stabilization of both the cathode and anode interfaces, as the cyano group enhances oxidation stability while the ether chains improve lithium compatibility. OCN-PBA possesses a unique aggregated solvation structure, which results in a high ionic conductivity (2.0 × 10<sup>−4</sup> S cm<sup>−1</sup>), a Li<sup>+</sup> transference number (0.66), and a wide electrochemical window (5.0 V). Consequently, Li|OCN-PBA|Li symmetric cell delivers stable plating/stripping over 1500 h, and Li|OCN-PBA|LiFePO<sub>4</sub> cell demonstrates over 2000 stable cycles. Moreover, the OCN-PBA enables excellent cyclic stability in high-voltage Li|LiNi<sub>0.8</sub>Co<sub>0.1</sub>Mn<sub>0.1</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and Li|LiCoO<sub>2</sub> cells. This work proposes a novel electrolyte design strategy, providing a feasible approach for developing practical high-performance LMBs with improved safety.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nannan Zheng, Qiuyue Ma, Renkai Zhang, Jikang Zhang, Qinghui Wang, Yuxin He, Bin Yang, Stefanie Steiger, Liangcan He, Shaoqin Liu
Serum oxalate levels can rapidly increase due to specific dietary factors or ethylene glycol exposure, triggering acute kidney injury (AKI). Disorders like nephrocalcinosis and calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephropathy cause inflammation and renal failure without effective therapy. To address this challenge, ultra-small platinum-selenium (Pt-Se) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to inhibit CaOxcrystallization by adsorbing C2O42− to block nucleation and by binding to crystal growth sites. in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to assess the inhibition of CaOx crystallization and oxalate-induced AKI. Pt-Se NPs not only suppressed CaOx crystallization but also inhibited crystal-cell interactions, thereby reducing CaOx-induced cell damage. Furthermore, in a hyperoxaluria mouse model, these NPs significantly decreased renal CaOx crystal deposition and attenuated kidney injury with excellent biocompatibility. In conclusion, ultra-small Pt-Se NPs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for acute CaOx crystal-induced nephropathy.
{"title":"Dual Therapeutic Effects of Ultra-Small Platinum-Selenium Nanoparticles on Oxalate-Induced Acute Kidney Injury","authors":"Nannan Zheng, Qiuyue Ma, Renkai Zhang, Jikang Zhang, Qinghui Wang, Yuxin He, Bin Yang, Stefanie Steiger, Liangcan He, Shaoqin Liu","doi":"10.1002/smll.202514825","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514825","url":null,"abstract":"Serum oxalate levels can rapidly increase due to specific dietary factors or ethylene glycol exposure, triggering acute kidney injury (AKI). Disorders like nephrocalcinosis and calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephropathy cause inflammation and renal failure without effective therapy. To address this challenge, ultra-small platinum-selenium (Pt-Se) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to inhibit CaOxcrystallization by adsorbing C<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub><sup>2−</sup> to block nucleation and by binding to crystal growth sites. in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to assess the inhibition of CaOx crystallization and oxalate-induced AKI. Pt-Se NPs not only suppressed CaOx crystallization but also inhibited crystal-cell interactions, thereby reducing CaOx-induced cell damage. Furthermore, in a hyperoxaluria mouse model, these NPs significantly decreased renal CaOx crystal deposition and attenuated kidney injury with excellent biocompatibility. In conclusion, ultra-small Pt-Se NPs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for acute CaOx crystal-induced nephropathy.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cuproptosis, a newly identified form of regulated cell death, relies on copper ions and elevated mitochondrial respiration. This study elucidates the role of lactate oxidase in modulating cuproptosis by converting lactate to pyruvate, reprogramming energy metabolism, and thereby facilitating copper-induced cell death. Here, this work develops a copper-coordinated polymer for efficient delivery of lactate oxidase into cancer cells. The nanoparticles modulate the activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase, and reshape the energy metabolism of tumor cells. This metabolic reprogramming initiates a boost in mitochondrial function that subsequently promotes cuproptosis through copper-dependent dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT) oligomerization and disruption of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In addition to inducing cuproptosis, the nanoparticles also activate a noniron-dependent Fenton-like reaction, thereby promoting ferroptosis. The nanoparticles exhibit potent antitumor efficacy in vivo, underscoring the potential of exploiting metabolic vulnerabilities to enhance cuproptosis. This study introduces a novel therapeutic avenue that leverages metabolic reprogramming to initiate regulated cell death pathways in cancer treatment.
{"title":"Dynamically Reprograms Mitochondrial Respiration to Augment Cuproptosis in Cancer Therapy","authors":"Haohan Zhou, Ruijue Wang, Fang Zhu, Jia Lv, Lanfang Ren, Binnian Yu, Jianru Xiao, Yiyun Cheng, Hui Wang","doi":"10.1002/smll.202513435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202513435","url":null,"abstract":"Cuproptosis, a newly identified form of regulated cell death, relies on copper ions and elevated mitochondrial respiration. This study elucidates the role of lactate oxidase in modulating cuproptosis by converting lactate to pyruvate, reprogramming energy metabolism, and thereby facilitating copper-induced cell death. Here, this work develops a copper-coordinated polymer for efficient delivery of lactate oxidase into cancer cells. The nanoparticles modulate the activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase, and reshape the energy metabolism of tumor cells. This metabolic reprogramming initiates a boost in mitochondrial function that subsequently promotes cuproptosis through copper-dependent dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT) oligomerization and disruption of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In addition to inducing cuproptosis, the nanoparticles also activate a noniron-dependent Fenton-like reaction, thereby promoting ferroptosis. The nanoparticles exhibit potent antitumor efficacy in vivo, underscoring the potential of exploiting metabolic vulnerabilities to enhance cuproptosis. This study introduces a novel therapeutic avenue that leverages metabolic reprogramming to initiate regulated cell death pathways in cancer treatment.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Due to the weak coordination ability with metals and the easy self-condensation of arylboronic acids, the development of organic–inorganic hybrid metal boron-oxo clusters is still challenging. In this study, by leveraging the in situ condensation reaction between boron sources (e.g., trimethyl borate and arylboronic acids) and dioxime, a series of dioxime-modified zirconium boron-oxo clusters (Zr-BOCs) was synthesized via a pyrazole-thermal condition. In these structures, dioximes not only induce the polymerization of boric acid into clusters but also chelate Zr ions, enabling electronic coupling between B-O and Zr-O moieties and resulting in a nearly planar cluster core Zr2B8O10. Taking advantage of the open Zr sites and the boron atom hybridization change from sp2 to sp3, we sequentially introduced aromatic carboxylic acids and arylboronic acids to controllably modulate both the planarity and the electronic structure of the Zr2B8O10 core. In particular, the Zr-O quadrilateral ring in BOC-13 (Zr2(Dmg)4(CH3OB4O5)2(BA)2) demonstrates aromaticity revealed by DFT calculations. Its conjugation with planar B-O clusters extends electron delocalization from a p-p-π to a d-p-π system, significantly enhancing third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties and achieving a minimum normalized transmittance (Tmin) of 0.20. The present work establishes a modular synthesis strategy for organic-inorganic hybrid boron-oxo clusters with a d-p-π delocalization system.
{"title":"Synthesis of Zirconium Boron-Oxo Clusters With Tunable Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Response","authors":"Pan-Pan Zhao, Xiang-Ming Zhang, Xiao-Lan Zheng, Qiao-Hong Li, Hai-Xia Zhang, Jian Zhang","doi":"10.1002/smll.202514893","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514893","url":null,"abstract":"Due to the weak coordination ability with metals and the easy self-condensation of arylboronic acids, the development of organic–inorganic hybrid metal boron-oxo clusters is still challenging. In this study, by leveraging the in situ condensation reaction between boron sources (e.g., trimethyl borate and arylboronic acids) and dioxime, a series of dioxime-modified zirconium boron-oxo clusters (Zr-BOCs) was synthesized via a pyrazole-thermal condition. In these structures, dioximes not only induce the polymerization of boric acid into clusters but also chelate Zr ions, enabling electronic coupling between B-O and Zr-O moieties and resulting in a nearly planar cluster core Zr<sub>2</sub>B<sub>8</sub>O<sub>10</sub>. Taking advantage of the open Zr sites and the boron atom hybridization change from sp<sup>2</sup> to sp<sup>3</sup>, we sequentially introduced aromatic carboxylic acids and arylboronic acids to controllably modulate both the planarity and the electronic structure of the Zr<sub>2</sub>B<sub>8</sub>O<sub>10</sub> core. In particular, the Zr-O quadrilateral ring in <b>BOC-13</b> (Zr<sub>2</sub>(Dmg)<sub>4</sub>(CH<sub>3</sub>OB<sub>4</sub>O<sub>5</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(BA)<sub>2</sub>) demonstrates aromaticity revealed by DFT calculations. Its conjugation with planar B-O clusters extends electron delocalization from a <b>p-p-π</b> to a <b>d-p-π</b> system, significantly enhancing third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties and achieving a minimum normalized transmittance (<b><i>T</i><sub>min</sub></b>) of <b>0.20</b>. The present work establishes a modular synthesis strategy for organic-inorganic hybrid boron-oxo clusters with a <b>d-p-π</b> delocalization system.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rockson Kwesi Tonnah, Sahar Foorginezhad, Baggie W. Nyande, Faezeh Arshadi, Milad Razbin, Milton Chai, Amir Razmjou, Mohsen Asadnia
Nanofluidic membranes with precise ion selectivity and ultrahigh permeability are central to advancing electromembrane technologies for energy generation, storage, water purification, and environmental monitoring. The performance of these systems hinges on the ability of membranes to efficiently and selectively transport ions. However, synthetic ion-selective membranes (ISMs) face a fundamental trade-off: increasing ion selectivity typically reduces permeability, and vice versa. Overcoming this trade-off is essential for realizing next-generation ISMs with enhanced performance. This review summarizes recent progress in addressing the selectivity–permeability trade-off through innovative membrane architectures, advanced fabrication methods, material engineering strategies, and modeling tools that clarify structure–property–performance relationships. Biological ion channels serve as benchmarks, offering ultra-efficient ion transport via precise control of pore size, surface charge, pathway length, and rectification effects. Drawing on these natural systems, we highlight bio-inspired strategies for enhancing synthetic membrane performance. We also discuss the role of ISMs in electrochemical applications and assess remaining challenges in achieving high ion flux without compromising selectivity. Emerging solutions including hybrid membrane systems, advanced nanomaterials, and AI-assisted design present promising pathways forward. The review concludes by outlining future directions that integrate computational modeling with experimental validation to develop efficient, scalable, and sustainable membrane technologies.
{"title":"Bioinspired and Engineered Ion-Selective Membranes Toward High-Flux and High-Selectivity Energy Devices","authors":"Rockson Kwesi Tonnah, Sahar Foorginezhad, Baggie W. Nyande, Faezeh Arshadi, Milad Razbin, Milton Chai, Amir Razmjou, Mohsen Asadnia","doi":"10.1002/smll.202510500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202510500","url":null,"abstract":"Nanofluidic membranes with precise ion selectivity and ultrahigh permeability are central to advancing electromembrane technologies for energy generation, storage, water purification, and environmental monitoring. The performance of these systems hinges on the ability of membranes to efficiently and selectively transport ions. However, synthetic ion-selective membranes (ISMs) face a fundamental trade-off: increasing ion selectivity typically reduces permeability, and vice versa. Overcoming this trade-off is essential for realizing next-generation ISMs with enhanced performance. This review summarizes recent progress in addressing the selectivity–permeability trade-off through innovative membrane architectures, advanced fabrication methods, material engineering strategies, and modeling tools that clarify structure–property–performance relationships. Biological ion channels serve as benchmarks, offering ultra-efficient ion transport via precise control of pore size, surface charge, pathway length, and rectification effects. Drawing on these natural systems, we highlight bio-inspired strategies for enhancing synthetic membrane performance. We also discuss the role of ISMs in electrochemical applications and assess remaining challenges in achieving high ion flux without compromising selectivity. Emerging solutions including hybrid membrane systems, advanced nanomaterials, and AI-assisted design present promising pathways forward. The review concludes by outlining future directions that integrate computational modeling with experimental validation to develop efficient, scalable, and sustainable membrane technologies.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"92 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In the domain of evaporation to electricity conversion, current research efforts are primarily focused on optimizing the permselectivity and evaporation efficiency of the fluid transferring medium. Here, we demonstrate that the output power of evaporation-induced energy harvesting devices can be significantly enhanced using suitable electrodes that complement the charge separation process and improve the ionic-electronic current conversion efficiency. The proof of concept was demonstrated by fabricating an energy device with the nanofluidic membrane of montmorillonite clay (MC-M). Upon replacing typically used Cu electrodes with surface-modified graphitic carbon strips with positively charged TiO2 nanowires as the bottom electrode, and negatively charged Co3O4 nanowires as the top electrode, nearly 8000 times enhancement in the power output was observed. Unlike redox-active metals, metal oxide nanostructures applied in the MC-M device are not consumed in the charge conversion process. Finally, replacing liquid water with a modified block of pottery clay as a self-replenishing water source at the bottom of the MC-M device improved the long-term device stability (uninterrupted power output up to 8 h) in addition to addressing issues like inconveniences of water replacement, variations in water levels, and dissolution of the charge-selective medium.
{"title":"Asymmetric Metal Oxide Electrodes for High-Efficiency Evaporation-Induced Energy Harvesting","authors":"Barsha Rani Bora, Bipasha Saikia, Mrityunjoy Dey, Kalyan Raidongia","doi":"10.1002/smll.202514290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514290","url":null,"abstract":"In the domain of evaporation to electricity conversion, current research efforts are primarily focused on optimizing the permselectivity and evaporation efficiency of the fluid transferring medium. Here, we demonstrate that the output power of evaporation-induced energy harvesting devices can be significantly enhanced using suitable electrodes that complement the charge separation process and improve the ionic-electronic current conversion efficiency. The proof of concept was demonstrated by fabricating an energy device with the nanofluidic membrane of montmorillonite clay (MC-M). Upon replacing typically used Cu electrodes with surface-modified graphitic carbon strips with positively charged TiO<sub>2</sub> nanowires as the bottom electrode, and negatively charged Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanowires as the top electrode, nearly 8000 times enhancement in the power output was observed. Unlike redox-active metals, metal oxide nanostructures applied in the MC-M device are not consumed in the charge conversion process. Finally, replacing liquid water with a modified block of pottery clay as a self-replenishing water source at the bottom of the MC-M device improved the long-term device stability (uninterrupted power output up to 8 h) in addition to addressing issues like inconveniences of water replacement, variations in water levels, and dissolution of the charge-selective medium.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"108 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Quanzheng Deng, Yu Chen, Neng Gong, Shuai Ye, Quanke Deng, Daliang Zhang, Kake Zhu, Shunai Che, Lu Han
Mesoporous zeolite-anchored atomically dispersed metal (ADM) catalysts are capable of overcoming diffusion limitations, promoting mass transfer, and exposing more active sites. These features make them one of the most ideal heterogeneous catalysts. However, introducing both mesoporosity and ADM species into zeolite structures while avoiding metal clustering remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the hierarchical MFI zeolite encapsulated atomically dispersed nickel species using a ligand-protected in situ synthesis strategy with a tri-functional template. This template incorporates quaternary ammonium hydrophilic head groups linked to central metal-coordinated porphyrins by alkyl chains, which guide the formation of mesoporous MFI zeolite structure while simultaneously suppressing nickel clustering. The resulting catalyst exhibits a hierarchical architecture comprising MFI nanosheets with enhanced 90° rotational intergrowth, and the dispersed Ni sites are evenly distributed within the zeolite framework. The catalyst exhibited a high activity and efficient utilization of Ni in probing CO2 hydrogenation reaction. The use of functionalized metal-coordinated porphyrins as a structure-directing agent to generate zeolite-supported metal catalysts is transferable, which opens new possibilities for controlling zeolite architecture.
{"title":"Synthesis of Atomically Dispersed Nickel Confined in Hierarchical MFI Zeolite.","authors":"Quanzheng Deng, Yu Chen, Neng Gong, Shuai Ye, Quanke Deng, Daliang Zhang, Kake Zhu, Shunai Che, Lu Han","doi":"10.1002/smll.202510776","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202510776","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mesoporous zeolite-anchored atomically dispersed metal (ADM) catalysts are capable of overcoming diffusion limitations, promoting mass transfer, and exposing more active sites. These features make them one of the most ideal heterogeneous catalysts. However, introducing both mesoporosity and ADM species into zeolite structures while avoiding metal clustering remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the hierarchical MFI zeolite encapsulated atomically dispersed nickel species using a ligand-protected in situ synthesis strategy with a tri-functional template. This template incorporates quaternary ammonium hydrophilic head groups linked to central metal-coordinated porphyrins by alkyl chains, which guide the formation of mesoporous MFI zeolite structure while simultaneously suppressing nickel clustering. The resulting catalyst exhibits a hierarchical architecture comprising MFI nanosheets with enhanced 90° rotational intergrowth, and the dispersed Ni sites are evenly distributed within the zeolite framework. The catalyst exhibited a high activity and efficient utilization of Ni in probing CO<sub>2</sub> hydrogenation reaction. The use of functionalized metal-coordinated porphyrins as a structure-directing agent to generate zeolite-supported metal catalysts is transferable, which opens new possibilities for controlling zeolite architecture.</p>","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":" ","pages":"e10776"},"PeriodicalIF":12.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146130454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yanan Tang, Kaijian Luo, Peidong Li, Guohua Fan, Yao Liu
The dilemma of biological contamination and radiation pollution deriving from the widely used implantable monitor equipment and wearable electronics promotes the growing demand for integrated biological and electromagnetic protection materials. This work proposes Oxalis-mimicking nanosheet arrays of MoS2/Au on carbon cloth (CC@MoS2/Au) to exert a “kill three birds with one stone” effect. First, the biomimetic architecture imparts the planar substrate with mechano-bactericidal property, which is dependent on attractive interactions between sharp edges and adhered bacteria. Second, the integration of MoS2/Au nanohybrids triggers a photo-bactericidal mode, and the coupling of Au nanoparticles guarantees smooth fulfillment for higher photocatalytic efficacy. Such a synergistic action allows for a nearly 100% inactivation efficiency toward E. coli and S. aureus. Third, the engineered CC@MoS2/Au exhibits electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness exceeding 40 dB in X band, equivalent to 99.99% impeding of incident waves. This work reported here to design of multifunctional platforms with antibacterial and electromagnetic interference shielding performance, which may create a powerful support to mitigate the issues of biological contamination and electromagnetic pollution in the field of modern healthcare.
{"title":"Bioinspired Multifunctional Carbon Platforms Decorated with MoS2/Au Nanohybrids for Integrated Antibacterial and Electromagnetic Shielding Performance","authors":"Yanan Tang, Kaijian Luo, Peidong Li, Guohua Fan, Yao Liu","doi":"10.1002/smll.202514332","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202514332","url":null,"abstract":"The dilemma of biological contamination and radiation pollution deriving from the widely used implantable monitor equipment and wearable electronics promotes the growing demand for integrated biological and electromagnetic protection materials. This work proposes <i>Oxalis</i>-mimicking nanosheet arrays of MoS<sub>2</sub>/Au on carbon cloth (CC@MoS<sub>2</sub>/Au) to exert a “kill three birds with one stone” effect. First, the biomimetic architecture imparts the planar substrate with mechano-bactericidal property, which is dependent on attractive interactions between sharp edges and adhered bacteria. Second, the integration of MoS<sub>2</sub>/Au nanohybrids triggers a photo-bactericidal mode, and the coupling of Au nanoparticles guarantees smooth fulfillment for higher photocatalytic efficacy. Such a synergistic action allows for a nearly 100% inactivation efficiency toward <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>. Third, the engineered CC@MoS<sub>2</sub>/Au exhibits electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness exceeding 40 dB in X band, equivalent to 99.99% impeding of incident waves. This work reported here to design of multifunctional platforms with antibacterial and electromagnetic interference shielding performance, which may create a powerful support to mitigate the issues of biological contamination and electromagnetic pollution in the field of modern healthcare.","PeriodicalId":228,"journal":{"name":"Small","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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